A cornerstone of Tandem’s work is the enduring idea that books should reflect children’s lived experiences and introduce them to the lived experiences of others. That’s the spirit behind this book list that celebrates Black voices in children’s literature. 

Some of the titles below are joyful ‘slice-of-life’ books, portraying the everyday experiences of Black children and families. Others introduce children to key figures and critical moments, bringing Black history to life.  Three of the books on this list are by partners of Tandem. These authors have participated in Tandem events over the years, and they’re people we frequently get into good trouble with.

These books lift up themes that everyone can relate to: imaginative pretend play, helping out with family chores, making mistakes and celebrating our unique strengths. While we celebrate Black History Month in February, these titles make for great book sharing experiences and conversations at any time. We welcome you to read these books with the children in your life all year around!  

Joyful Slice of Life

Puppy Truck

Written and Illustrated by Brian Pinkney 

Brian Pinkney has been creating children’s books since the 1980s and in this one, he brings imagination to life with vibrant illustrations of a child playing with their truck.  With sparse text, and lots of fun, this is a perfect book for young children. 

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: The child in this book pretends that their truck is a puppy.  Engage in a moment of pretend play with your child. What if you imagined that the chair is a horse? Where might you ride on it, and what kind of adventures would you have?

What do Brothas Do All Day?

Written & Illustrated by Ajuan Mance

Inspired by Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day?, these joyous portraits of Black men engaged in everyday life celebrate the deep roots and rich cultures of African American communities.

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: This book ends with an invitation: What will you do today? 

Talk about your plans with your child: Where would they like to go? What would they like to play? How are these plans similar to—and different from—what is portrayed in this book?

Wash Day

Written by Tiffany Golden
Illustrated by Lhaiza Morena

Meet Jelaya (jeh-LAY-uh.) She hates wash day. The tugs! The scrubs! The pinching and pulling! Jelaya can’t think of a worse way to spend the day. That is, until her big sister Jazmin explains that this wash day will be different. Jelaya is going to wash Jazmin’s hair instead!

Age level: 3 – 5

Talking Tip: Talk to your child about what it means to have a self-care day. Tell your child how you practice (or would like to practice) self care. Brainstorm a plan for practicing self care with your child this weekend. What are some of the things you could do together?

Key Figures and Critical Moments

The ABCs of Black History

Written by Rio Cortez
Illustrated by Lauren Semmer

The ABCs of Black History elevates the typical alphabet book, abandoning the elementary “a is for apple” for new, fresh associations and moving, accessible verses to introduce children to different aspects of Black history.  In addition to rhyming text, the book includes back matter with information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem.

Age level: All age levels

Talking Tip: Ask your child to choose their favorite page(s) from the book. Go on an internet (or library) scavenger hunt with your child and learn more about the heroes and movements from the pages your child loves. Compare and contrast the experience of your child/family with that of the hero or movement, and talk about why.

Be Boy Buzz

Written by bell hooks
Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Be Boy Buzz is a whirlwind of emotion for readers.  It is fast, exciting, and happy.  Featuring illustrations by Chris Raschka, it depicts Black boy joy in a manner that is accessible for very young children.

Age level: 1-3

Talking Tip: bell hooks uses words that start with “B” to describe the wonderful qualities of boys. No matter what gender your child is, ask them to name as many of their qualities as they can that start with the letter “B.” Then, ask them to choose a different letter and find words that describe them starting with that letter.

My People

Written by Langston Hughes
Illustrated by Charles R. Smith, Jr.

This book pairs Langston Hughes’ poem, “My People,” with Charles R. Smith Jr. ‘s luminous portraits of Black children and families. Langston Hughes helped to usher in the Harlem Renaissance and was one of the most influential Black writers in the 1920s.  His poetry celebrates Blackness and elevates the Black experience. This book is particularly appropriate for young children because of its large, clear text and the joyful faces of Smith’s resplendent portraits. 

Age level: All age levels

Talking Tip: Talk to your child about how the faces in this book are like the words in the poem.  They may not know that eyes can twinkle like stars until you tell them.  Can your child smile with twinkling eyes?  Can they make their faces beam like the sun?  Study the faces in this book with your child and talk about the feelings you see.  Unpacking symbolism and metaphoric language with children while they are young will help with reading comprehension in later grades.

Tandem’s Partners

Fresh Juice

Written and Illustrated by Robert Liu-Trujillo

When Art’s father can’t get over a cold, Art knows exactly what his daddy needs: some delicious sick-fighting juice! After looking through the fridge and cupboards, they discover they’re missing a key ingredient—ginger. But finding some ginger will take them downtown, to the farmers’ market, to the food co-op, to the West African grocery…to an unexpected encounter that brings everyone together, and results in a tasty celebration.

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about what foods your family makes when someone isn’t feeling well. Talk about what foods bring you comfort. What ingredients do you need to make it? Where do you go to buy these ingredients?

Little Brother

Written by Dr. Khalid White
Illustrated by Tyrus Goshay

Join Jelani, Kenya, and their little brother, Khari, as they learn, laugh, and play! Little Brother actively engages young readers by combining pictures, rhymes, humor, and self-esteem building through household tasks. Little Brother encourages siblings and parents to work together, creating important bonds that will last a lifetime.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Khari’s big brother and sister are learning how to be responsible by showing him how to help out around the house. Ask your child what ‘responsibility’ means to them. Discuss with them what they already do—or could do—to help around the house.

Abdul’s Story

Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrated by Tiffany Rose 

Abdul loves to tell stories. But writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite his best efforts, eraser smudges outnumber the  actual words on his papers. Abdul decides his stories just aren’t meant to be written down…until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers—and superheroes—make mistakes.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk about what being a superhero means to Abdul in his own story. Ask your child to imagine themselves as a superhero. What superhero skills do they have? 

See author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s read aloud of Abdul’s Story on YouTube!